Va. police chief suspended — again

WASHINGTON – It’s a small town in Prince William County with a population of about 1,900. But the town is once again without its police chief since he’s been suspended — again.

Haymarket Police Chief James Roop, and the town’s deputy police chief as well as an officer have all been suspended for 60 days without pay. In addition, the chief has been ordered to attend sexual harassment training, according to The Washington Post.

The town’s mayor had tried to veto the suspensions, but the Town Council held an emergency meeting Friday and overrode that veto.

Council members via email tell WTOP that it’s council policy not to comment on personnel matters. But Vice Mayor Jay Tobias in an email says, “However, I can say that the Council did decide to override the Mayoral vetoes primarily because we felt that the Mayor had misused his veto power once again and was attempting to circumvent the decisions made by the Council on Monday night after lengthy discussions.”

While no one has confirmed why the chief and the others were suspended this time, the fact he is being ordered to attend sexual harassment training echoes the last time he and his deputy were suspended. In 2005, the police chief and deputy chief were taken off the job for alleged sexual harassment.

The Virginia State Police confirm the police chief is being investigated for an “allegation,” but wouldn’t say what the allegation is. The others suspended include Chief Deputy Gregory A. Breeden, and Officer Jacob T. Davis.

When contacted by WTOP, Davis said he could not comment.

“I appreciate your concern with my situation. I have no comment till I speak with my attorney. If my status changes and I have a statement I will contact you.”